What is the author's style in An End to Dreams by Stephen Vincent Benet?

Benét uses the mirror as a symbol of James's subconscious, which enables the author to present a dual vision of his main character as well as the ironic twist at the end of the story. Before he is completely conscious, James sees his reflection in what appears to be a mirror that he assumes a nurse is holding over his head. This mirror allows him to examine his past as it presents him with a look at what might have been. Sometimes it clouds, suggesting that the visions are false, as when James wonders what would have happened if he had "stayed in Bladesburg, worn the patched coat." When it clears, he continues his dreams of wealth and power.